Mueller Scholarships Given to Local Students

Santa Cruz Symphony Applications Due by April 1

The Santa Cruz Symphony is now accepting applications for the 2018 Mueller Scholarship Program. These scholarships help needy and deserving young music students pay for youth ensembles, private lessons, or music camps. This year, the Symphony’s Education Committee will award a total of $12,000 in scholarships, with individual grants ranging from $300-$1000.

“[My student] was able to use the funds to take private lessons which not only advanced her skills, but has raised her self-confidence,” said teacher Art Michalik. “Not only does she attend all practice seasons for Intermediate Band at Westlake, but she tutors beginning clarinet players in Beginning Band at both Westlake and Bay View.”

The selection committee’s decision to provide his student a scholarship “has had an impact on her own musical journey, but also has had an impact on the other young musicians she’s assisted.”

The scholarship program was created at the bequest of the late Ruth Mueller, a local music teacher, through a planned gift to the Santa Cruz Symphony. Her goal was to provide Santa Cruz County youth with the opportunity to advance their musical studies with orchestral instruments. Since its founding in 1990, the scholarship has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in grants to over 100 students.

The Santa Cruz Symphony has a deep commitment to music education. In the words of Executive Director Dorothy Wise, “Learning music helps young children develop their cognitive and motor skills. It’s gratifying that the Symphony through Ruth Mueller’s bequest can support children in our community as they pursue their skills playing an instrument.”

Music students who are under 17 as of July 1, 2018 and residents of Santa Cruz County are encouraged to apply. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of financial need, a regular practice schedule, and a demonstrated commitment of at least one year with an orchestral instrument. Applications must be submitted no later than April 1, 2018 and can be found at santacruzsymphony.org/education.

Founded in 1958, the Santa Cruz Symphony’s mission is to inspire, educate and engage through artistic excellence, distinctive musical performances, and varied activities that celebrate and enhance cultural vibrancy. With Maestro Daniel Stewart as Music Director since 2013, the Symphony partners regularly with regional and international guest artists in a variety of concerts. A cornerstone of the performing arts in the Greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas, Santa Cruz Symphony receives frequent critical acclaim.